Housing minister claims eco-towns will solve housing shortfall

Housing minister Caroline Flint has claimed the newly-announced eco-towns will solve the dual challenges of a major housing shortfall and the need to cut carbon emissions.

"Building in existing towns and cities alone simply cannot provide enough new homes," she said as she announced the location of the 15 proposed new towns.

The minister also said a panel of experts will work with developers to make sure the planned eco-towns are as sustainable as possible.

"Some really innovative green ideas have been proposed - from free public transport for all residents to using the waste heat from nearby power stations to heat homes and businesses," she commented.

The announcement has provoked some controversy and Ms Flint noted that "everyone now has the opportunity to express their views before any decisions are made".